A significant disagreement has emerged within German political circles regarding the nation’s climate targets. Green Party parliamentarian Julia Verlinden sharply criticized recent calls from CDU politician Tilman Kuban to relax Germany’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality.
Verlinden stated Kuban’s proposal, which suggests limiting emissions reductions to an 80% decrease by 2045 rather than pursuing full climate neutrality, demonstrated a concerning disregard for international agreements. She argued that this approach is not only irresponsible but also detrimental to the German economy, emphasizing that climate protection represents an opportunity for economic growth.
“Significant profits are already being generated through future technologies, but far too little of them are happening here in Germany” Verlinden remarked, suggesting the CDU’s economic policies were lagging behind and jeopardizing the creation of crucial future jobs. The Green Party is advocating for a “competitive climate economy” that ensures job security, underpinned by clear and consistent climate goals alongside robust support for businesses and consumers.
The debate follows a 2021 ruling by the Federal Constitutional Court which established a legal obligation to achieve climate neutrality, derived from Article 20a of the Basic Law. The court referenced Germany’s carbon budget, aligned with the Paris Climate Agreement, which cannot be exceeded. Future carbon emissions beyond 2045 would only be permissible if a residual portion of the budget remains, necessitating substantial emissions reductions in the preceding years. This budgetary approach has also been adopted by the European Court of Human Rights in a recent ruling against Switzerland, further solidifying its growing acceptance as a framework for climate action.